Places to see/stay in the NT

Probably best to let us know how long you are spending and which part of the territory you are planning to visit.

The is so much to see and do.

Hi Katrina

Kakadu is amazing but i don't know about for little ones! The yellow water cruise is amazing if they are wildlife lovers. Probably weather dependent on what will be open and accessible through the park.

Litchfield is wonderful, depending on how far the little ones will walk. The plunge pool at Wangi Falls has a shallow end suitable for children.

What sort of accommodation do you need? Camping, cabin or motel? Will you have four wheel drive vehicles?

Motherhen

Hi Katrina,
what coast are you talking about? There is no "coast road" between Darwin & Cairns or Townsville. Depending on the weather, parts of the savannah way between Borroloola and Normanton may not be open when you travel. If travelling on the bitumen to Cairns or Townsville you shouldn't have a problem.
Either way there is lots to see and do. It bit more info would help so that we can make more specific suggestions.
regards

Before you get into the NT, get out to Larks Quarry at Winton for the dinosaur exhibition. I found that one of the most amazizng things on my trip around Oz. A little town with a lot to show off ...

Jack

Make sure you stay at Daley Waters pub for one night and visit Mindle market in Darwin .There is a good cruise in the Katherine gorge to go on

I will be watching this thread closely as we are going in winter next year and travelling with kids aswell. Katrina, i hope you have a ball and you have to let us know how it all goes.

If you have time drop into Mt Bundy at Adelaide River and say hello, we have a BBQ on Friday evenings when the tourist season fires up.

.

Butterfly Gorge near Douglas hot springs, I believe it has a caravan park now or it's not far from Hayes Creek. We clampered to the very top where there is the most amasing water hole not alot people get up there and might not be possible with small children when it's been raining you can slide all the way down from the top hole to the main pool a bit of Indiana Jones stuff but very cool.

Hi Katrina,

You will have a great time, as there are many wonderful things to see and do. With small children in mind, I would recommend the following places:
Litchfield NP - good swimming and magnetic termite mounds
Territory Wildlife Park - at both Alice Springs and near Berry Springs. Both are excellent and a day at each would not be too much.
Devils Marbles - fun for kids to explore
Douglas Daly hot springs - shallow warm water
The mass of things in and around Alice where you would probably want to spent a week or two - take in the east and west Macdonnell Ranges, Arltunga, Gem Tree for fossicking, Cattlewater Pass, Mereenie Loop and Gosse Bluff.
Kings Canyon and Kings Creek homestead - camel rides.
Darwin - wharf, fish feeding, beaches and markets, WWII history, stairway to the moon
Pine Creek - old trains and mining equipment on display
Kakadu is a must see but maybe not so focussed on children.

and much more...

Cheers,

Val

The kids will want to swim a lot, as it will still be fairly hot, so you will want to stay at a CP in Darwin that has a good pool. Free Spirit Resort at Beriimah comes to mind, but not cheap.
Litchfield Nat park is a must. Buley Rockholes, near Florence Falls, is probably better for young children than Wangi Falls swimming.

Hi Katrina,

You will love the NT, lots to do and see. Most of the replies have covered the basics but there are a couple more not mentioned.Kakadu saw us there in july last year (2010) with our 2 grandchildren aged 5 and 6. They had a ball and did most of the walks etc as long as there was a swim at the end of the day. So in the South of Kakadu is Gumlon with a safe swimming plunge pool and magnificent small pools at the top of the escarpment (steep 20 min climb tho). The Camping ground on the right as you enter Jabiru has a great pool facility. Yellow Waters is a must and the 1/2 hour flight from Jabiru enables you to see the enormity of the Park.

In Darwin itself has a great water park suitable for kids and adults out at Leanyer, open 6 days a week and it's free as well and well supervised. A little south, Berry Springs nature park also has good swimming natural pools with C'van parkls near by. The Wild Life Park is very worth while as well.

C'van parks in Darwin --- free Spirit (17 kms out) is v/ good you should book ahead but a little expensive. A more modest park closer in and with a pool is the Shady Glen C'van Park & cheaper (also book ahead).

Have a great time,

Mike.

Thanks to everyone for all of your wonderful tips and recommendations!! Can't wait to go!! We have had it all planned since April 2010!!